She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
She will be gone
"Rose, love, are you sure you don't want us to come with you?"
"Merlin, Mum, do you want everyone to run away from me? It's the New Year's ball, not your Hogwarts class reunion."
"Don't be ridiculous, Rose. Oh, darling, your dad's here."
"Kay, tell him to come in."
Ron stood in the doorway. "Hi, Rosie." His voice cracked.
"Dad! Don't cry, you'll make me cry!"
"But Rosie, it's your last year at Hogwarts, you're a big girl now, you're not the little girl in the princess costume anymore-"
"Dad, I'll always be your little princess."
"Oh, Rosie." He hugged her.
"Dad, wanna see my dress?"
"Sure."
"I think you'll like it, Daddy." She brought out a hanger from her closet.
"Rosie, it's beautiful."
The dress was periwinkle blue, and it seemed to float at the lightest movement. It had soft silver beading and an empire waist. The color reminded Ron of Hermione's Yule Ball dress. He smiled.
"So who are you going to the ball with?"
"Um…"
"Scorpius!" yelled Hugo from outside the door.
"HUGO WEASLEY, SHUT UP!"
"Scorpius Malfoy?"
"Yes, Dad." Rose cocked her head to one side and put her hand on her hip, daring him to say something.
Ron swallowed whatever he had been about to say. "Um, congrats, Rosie! He'll love you even more in that dress."
"Thanks, Dad! Hey, I need to practice dancing in it. Will you-"
"Of course, Rosie." He stepped outside while she changed into the dress.
"Rose, you look gorgeous." He spun her around and twirled her.
"Thanks, Daddy," she said as he dipped her.
Hearing his daughter call him Daddy was, Ron thought, the happiest feeling on earth.